Broccoli and cheese is a classic combination that can be paired with a variety of meats to create a hearty and delicious meal. When choosing a meat to serve alongside cheesy broccoli, consider the preparation method, flavor profile, and visual appeal. Ultimately the right meat choice depends on personal preference and what flavors, textures, and ingredients complement each other.
Quick Answers
Chicken, beef, pork, sausage, bacon, fish, shrimp, and crab can all pair well with cheesy broccoli. Lean meats like chicken breast or fish fillets allow the rich cheese sauce to shine while fattier meats like bacon or sausage add even more flavor.Seasonings like lemon, garlic, Italian herbs, cajun spices, etc. can enhance the dish. Breading or searing meats adds texture. Lighter proteins are recommended since the cheese is already heavy.
Detailed Explanations
Chicken
Chicken is a mild, versatile meat that pairs extremely well with cheesy broccoli. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be baked, sauteed, or grilled then served over or next to the broccoli. This allows the creamy cheese sauce to be the star while the chicken provides protein. Chicken tends to absorb flavors easily, so consider marinating or seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic, lemon, herbs before cooking. Breaded chicken cutlets or nuggets add crunch. Shredded rotisserie chicken is an easy shortcut.
Beef
Beef and broccoli is a takeout favorite, so adding cheese sauce makes it even more savory and comforting. Lean beef cuts like sirloin steak or filet mignon provide texture and pair well with the richness of cheese. Marinate steaks with Worcestershire sauce, garlic, pepper, then grill or pan-sear. Slice into strips to serve over the broccoli. Ground beef can be crumbled and cooked into the cheese sauce itself for a creamy, meaty sauce.
Pork
Like chicken, pork takes on flavors easily. Boneless pork chops, pork loin, or tenderloin can be breaded and baked or pan fried, then served alongside cheesy broccoli. The leaner cuts keep the meal from being too heavy. Or use Italian sausage, removed from the casings, to mix right into the cheese sauce. The spicy, herby flavors complement broccoli and cheese perfectly.
Fish
Delicate white fish fillets like tilapia, cod, or halibut bake beautifully on a sheet pan alongside cheesy broccoli. Drizzle everything with lemon juice and olive oil before baking for a light, fresh meal. Salmon is rich and pairs wonderfully with the cheese sauce. Sear salmon fillets in a skillet then serve over the broccoli. For an easy weeknight dinner, use canned tuna or salmon stirred right into the hot cheesy sauce.
Shellfish
Shrimp, scallops, crab, and lobster all taste fantastic with cheesy broccoli. Saute shrimp until just pink, then mix with broccoli and cheese sauce. Bake crab cakes and serve them atop the cheesy broccoli for dipping. Or stir lump crabmeat right into the hot sauce. Just take care not to overcook the delicate shellfish.
Bacon & Sausage
Cured or smoked meats like bacon, prosciutto, pancetta, and sausage add bold flavor, fat, and texture to balance out the rich cheese sauce. Chopped bacon can be cooked until crispy then sprinkled on top of the finished dish. Italian sausage links can be sliced and seared to crumble over the broccoli. Bratwurst and linguica sausages pair well too.
Meat Cooking Methods
How the meat is prepared makes a difference in the flavor and how well it complements creamy, cheesy broccoli. Consider the following cooking methods:
Baked
The oven tenderizes lean meats and locks in moisture with either a dry rub or sauce glaze. Bake chicken, fish fillets, pork chops, or meatballs to serve over broccoli.
Sauteed
Cooking meat quickly over high heat in just a bit of oil keeps it tender and juicy. Saute thin cuts of beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, or ground meat. Deglaze the pan with wine or broth to make an easy pan sauce.
Seared
Searing meat in a very hot skillet gives it a crisp browned exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Try with steaks, pork chops, salmon fillets, tuna steaks.
Grilled
The smoky char flavor from the grill complements many meats. Grill steaks, chops, chicken, shrimp, salmon, or vegetables to add to cheesy broccoli.
Breaded
Breading adds crunch and keeps meats extra moist when baked or fried. Try breaded chicken breasts, pork chops, fish fillets, shrimp, or meatballs. Panko breadcrumbs work well.
Crispy Bacon
Fry bacon strips until crispy, then crumble over the finished cheesy broccoli to add smoky crunch.
Meat & Cheese Pairings
Certain cheeses pair better with particular meats. Consider these tasty combinations:
Cheddar
The classic pairing for cheesy broccoli. Works well with beef, pork, chicken, turkey.
Monterey Jack
Mild, buttery flavor pairs nicely with chicken, shrimp, crab.
Parmesan
Nutty, aromatic notes pair with chicken, veal, Italian sausage.
Swiss
Goes great with pork, turkey, grilled chicken.
Blue Cheese
Pungent blue cheese pairs with steak, chicken, wing sauce.
Goat Cheese
Tangy creaminess pairs with salmon, pork, chicken.
American Cheese
Mild, creamy melting cheese pairs with beef, pork, poultry.
Sides & Vegetables
Broccoli and cheese makes a great veggie side, but consider rounding out the meal with these sides:
– Rice or pasta – soaks up the cheesy sauce
– Garlic bread – for dipping and cheese pulling
– Mixed vegetables – balance with other veggies
– Salad – fresh contrast to the rich dish
– Mashed or baked potatoes
– Dinner rolls
Pairing cheesy broccoli with lighter sides prevents the meal from feeling too heavy.
Conclusion
There are endless possibilities for meats to pair with cheesy broccoli. The preparation method makes a difference, as does choosing cheeses that complement the particular meat. Lighter meats like chicken and fish along with bold sausages and bacon are especially tasty. Pay attention to textures and flavors that balance out the richness of the cheese sauce. With so many options, you can enjoy a different meaty cheesy broccoli meal every night of the week!